Month: September 2025

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Fireplaces are still popular heating sources for many homeowners. While they may not be as efficient as a furnace or heat pump, they deliver a charm and atmosphere that you can’t get with any other system. There’s a lot to think about when owning a fireplace, but one thing that often gets overlooked is the chimney cap. Chimney caps are one of those little features that play a huge considerable role in protecting your chimney and your home.

Let’s break down what this device does, why it’s so important, and how to know if yours needs to be repaired or replaced.

Benefits of a Chimney Cap

Keeps Out Rain and Snow

Without a cap, your chimney is basically a wide-open hole on the roof. Rain and snow can drip straight down into your flue, soaking the masonry or even causing water damage inside your home. Over time, that moisture leads to cracking, rust, and mold. A cap acts like an umbrella, keeping the weather where it belongs—outside.

Stops Animals From Moving In

Birds, squirrels, raccoons, you name it, love the idea of building a nest in your nice, warm chimney. The problem? Those nests block airflow, create fire hazards, and sometimes trap animals themselves. A properly installed cap with a screen keeps the critters out while allowing smoke to escape.

Prevents Downdrafts

Ever had smoke blow back into your living room on a windy day? That’s a downdraft, and it’s no fun. A chimney cap helps block strong gusts from pushing air and smoke down your flue, keeping your fire burning cleanly and your living room smelling like a home instead of a campfire.

Protects Against Sparks and Embers

A cap with a spark guard keeps little embers from flying out of your chimney and landing on your roof or yard. That’s a huge safety boost, especially in dry conditions.

Increases Chimney Lifespan

By keeping out moisture, animals, and debris, a cap reduces wear and tear on your chimney’s structure. Think of it as inexpensive insurance that saves you from major repairs down the line.

Signs Your Chimney Cap Needs Replacing

Just like anything else exposed to the elements, chimney caps don’t last forever. Here are the most common signs that your chimney cap has overstayed its welcome.

Visible Rust or Corrosion

If your cap is made of metal, rust is usually the first sign it’s breaking down. Once corrosion starts, it spreads quickly and can leave holes that defeat the purpose of having a cap in the first place.

Bent or Broken Mesh

The wire screen is what keeps critters and debris out. If it’s bent, torn, or missing sections, animals will find a way in, and sparks may sneak out.

Loose or Missing Cap

High winds, storms, or even age can loosen the screws holding your cap in place. If you notice it looks tilted, rattles in the wind, or worse, has disappeared, it’s time to call a chimney professional.

Water or Debris in the Fireplace

If you see leaves, twigs, or puddles of water in the firebox, chances are your cap isn’t doing its job. That’s a clear sign that it’s damaged or gone.

Strange Noises

Hear scratching or chirping from your chimney? That often means your cap’s screen is damaged, and some furry (or feathery) squatters have moved in.

A chimney cap is one of those small, inexpensive features that saves you a ton of trouble and money in the long run. Replacing a cap costs far less than repairing water damage, removing animal nests, or fixing a smoke-stained living room. Plus, it gives you peace of mind knowing your fireplace system is working safely and efficiently.

Call Northeastern Chimney, Inc. today to schedule a professional chimney and cap inspection. We’re the number one choice for chimney and fireplace services across central Connecticut.

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This post first appeared on https://www.mychimney.com

Let’s face it. Water is likely to enter your chimney. It comes in from the top; whether it is from rain or melting snow, it will find its way in. Our chimneys take a beating. The winters can be brutal with gusting winds, snow, and sleet. 

What Are The Causes of a Leaky Chimney?

• Cracked chimney crown. With age, the chimney crown can crack. The crown is made out of cement and is susceptible to cracks. 
• No Chimney cap. Without a chimney cap, water can drip into your chimney. Sometimes at large amounts. 
• Masonry and mortar deterioration. Over time, without proper sealant, masonry will deteriorate, causing cracks and spalling. Rain and snow seep into the cracks. During the winter, the freeze-thaw concept happens, causing cracks to increase. Those cracks let more water in.
• Wood siding. If your home has a wood chase with wood siding, knots in the wood, and cracks in the wood, it allows water to get in, causing leaks.  
• Leaking Flashing. Improperly installed or damaged chimney flashing will allow water to get in.

The summers are just as bad, with the summer heat and the occasional summer storm. Hurricanes can whip up quite a disaster.  

A leaky chimney is a different story. If your chimney crown has cracks, you do not have a chimney cap, or flashing is not installed correctly, water will get in and cause damage. These are the things that you can control. 

How will I know if I have A Leaky Chimney?

Here is what to look for.

• Water in the firebox. You should not have puddles of water in your firebox. 
• Discoloration on the exterior of your chimney. This is called efflorescence. It’s a white, chalky deposit that is derived from the salt in the bricks.
• A smell of mold and mildew. This musty smell is coming from water that has leaked into the chimney. It hasn’t had a chance to dry out, and mold has started to grow.
• You can see water damage on the ceiling or the walls near the chimney.

What Should I Do To Prevent a Leaky Chimney?

Along with your annual chimney sweep and inspection, consider applying a water sealant to your chimney. Our team at Northeastern Chimney is professionally trained to apply a quality sealant. Keeping up with the maintenance of your chimney is your best defense. 

Here is what you can do. 

• Water sealant.
• Annual Inspection.
• Annual Chimney Sweep.
• Watch for signs of water damage as noted above.

Scheduling with Northeastern Chimney is easy and quick. Let us help you manage the details of keeping your chimney dry and preventing damage. 

Professionals suggest that an annual Chimney sweep and inspection be conducted. When a problem arises, the best plan is to tackle it as soon as possible. This will cost you much less than if you let the damage to the fireplace and bricks go on too long.

Schedule your inspection or cleaning soon by calling Northeastern Chimney. We service all of Hartford, Tolland, and Litchfield Counties. All our chimney technicians are trained and qualified. We are active in the National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG). 

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This post first appeared on https://www.mychimney.com